Lifestyle

3 Ways Self Love Will Skyrocket Your Impact In 2022

Published

3 years ago

February 5, 2022

Throughout the last couple of years of global pandemic, many celebrities have opened up about their personal struggles and how they are pivoting to a different mindset, choosing self-love over previous behaviors.

In a recent interview, between Oprah and Adele, in November , Adele stated that she loved herself and had become open to loving and being loved by someone else. “Everything is timing…You have to get clarity on what you really want in the soul of yourself.” When Oprah asked her, “What do you really want?” her response was, “Peace of mind and stability.”

Given the toll that job losses, health problems and a worldwide pandemic have had on society’s well-being, self-care has certainly come to the fore. Whilst some have balked at the term—saying it evokes a sense of narcissism—it’s been proven that a dearth of self-love can seriously affect your health.

Low self-esteem, caused by a negative self-image, is linked with depression, poor physical health and a lack of mental well-being. Since depression is an increasingly common and destructive blight on modern society, self-love might be the ‘antidote’ that we all need.

Host of the TV channel, ‘You Are Amazing’ on The Best You TV, and co-founder of ‘The Infinity Life’, Barbie Layton—aka Intuitive Barbie—has devoted her career to helping others literally fall in love with themselves. According to the renowned author and motivational speaker, self-love is a powerful emotion that opens one up to a new realm of personal and professional possibilities. As a vocal advocate of learning to appreciate oneself, she offers some practical advice.

Step one: Fall in love with yourself where you currently are

Whilst falling in love with the world, and yourself, may be the first step towards self-acceptance, further action is required to see a monumental life-change. A common complaint amongst adults is that they have no time for themselves. Kids, careers, and chores conspire to subjugate dreams and aspirations. There are so many other pressing duties.

But, Barbie maintains that transformational self-love must ‘reanimate’ old passions, whether it’s music, singing, painting, or something entirely entrepreneurial, like starting your own business. Part of appreciating yourself involves bringing your dreams to life and then carefully nurturing them.

In fact, according to recent studies, repeated bouts of self-compassion are strongly linked with resilience and success. The mood-enhancing effects can improve job performance and help us to do more than we ever thought possible, both privately and professionally.

Step two: Practice extreme gratitude

“Firstly, you have to tune into a frequency of gratitude. Native Americans would offer a prayer of thanks for the three hundred hands that had brought the food to their table. When I cook, it’s the same thing. I say thanks for the beautiful ingredients laid before me. I thank inanimate objects like my car, fridge or microwave because they carry an energetic frequency. And they’re there to support me. I’m acknowledging that everything is working with me, and for me, as opposed to against me.”

Barbie explains: “Extreme gratitude—as I call it—enables me to fall in love with the world around me, allowing me to easily shift out of a negative mindset and into a positive one.

Step three: Be the VIP of your own life

Turning that science into an art-form, Barbie believes that everyone should act as the ‘VIP’ of their own life. She explains: “Loving yourself means occasionally treating yourself to the better things in life. It’s not about consumerism, or spoiling yourself, but it’s an attitude that says, ‘I deserve the best.’

With pandemic-related job losses still affecting the economy, it can be easy to get into a ‘make do’ mindset where you never really put yourself first. Barbie says, “It doesn’t have to be something huge. Love yourself and act as though you are worthy of good things. Not only will it change your life but also the atmosphere around you, shifting people from a mindset of lack and fear to freedom and abundance.”

Barbie continues, “If you listen to a frequency of 528 HZ on the Solfeggio Frequencies, which sounds like Hyuuu (the tone of creation, love, and DNA) for thirty days, it can play a small part in opening up your energies to love or ‘above’ frequencies, which is the frequency where manifestation occurs. YouTube contains many free tracks. We have all watched people go through metamorphoses like the caterpillar that becomes a radiant butterfly. Above all, stay in childlike wonder and suspend disbelief that things can get better. Thank everything that supports you now and step into a better version of yourself every day just by shifting your perception.”

Lifestyle

The Evolution of eCommerce: How Online Shopping Has Changed in the Last Decade

Published

6 hours ago

December 3, 2024

Michelle Langton

Over the past decade, eCommerce has transformed from a convenient alternative to brick-and-mortar shopping into a dominant force shaping global consumer behaviour. This evolution has been driven by advancements in technology, shifting customer expectations, and innovative logistics strategies that ensure purchases reach doorsteps with unprecedented speed and efficiency. Let’s explore how online shopping has evolved and what it means for businesses and consumers alike.

The Rise of Mobile Commerce

One of the most significant changes in eCommerce is the shift towards mobile shopping. Smartphones have become the preferred device for browsing, comparing, and purchasing products. According to recent studies, more than 70% of online transactions now occur on mobile devices. User-friendly apps, seamless payment gateways, and mobile-first website designs have played pivotal roles in driving this trend.

For businesses, this shift has meant a greater focus on responsive design and mobile-optimised platforms to enhance user experience. It has also encouraged the rise of social commerce, where platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become integral to shopping journeys, blending entertainment with eCommerce.

Personalisation and AI Integration

A decade ago, personalisation in online shopping was rudimentary – limited to broad product recommendations. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have revolutionised how retailers engage with customers. eCommerce platforms can now analyse browsing habits, purchase history, and even real-time preferences to deliver highly tailored shopping experiences.

From personalised email campaigns to dynamic website content that adapts to user behaviour, AI has allowed businesses to forge stronger connections with their audiences. This evolution not only boosts sales but also fosters customer loyalty in a competitive market.

The Amazon Effect and Expedited Delivery

The “Amazon Effect” has been another game-changer, setting new standards for eCommerce logistics. The expectation of fast, often same-day delivery has become a benchmark for online retailers worldwide. To meet these demands, businesses have invested heavily in supply chain optimisation and partnerships with reliable logistics providers.

The integration of advanced eCommerce freight solutions has been crucial in ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery. These solutions streamline the movement of goods from warehouses to customers, enabling retailers to stay competitive while managing rising logistical complexities.

Sustainability in Online Shopping

As awareness of environmental issues grows, sustainability has become a major focus for eCommerce. In the last decade, consumers have increasingly demanded eco-friendly practices, prompting businesses to adopt greener approaches.

From sustainable packaging to carbon-neutral shipping options, online retailers are now incorporating environmental responsibility into their operations. This shift not only aligns with consumer values but also provides businesses with a competitive edge in a market that prioritises ethical consumption.

The Power of Data and Analytics

Data has always been integral to eCommerce, but its role has expanded significantly in the past ten years. Advanced analytics now allow businesses to understand consumer trends, optimise inventory management, and enhance marketing strategies. Predictive analytics, for instance, can anticipate demand fluctuations, helping retailers avoid stockouts or overstocking.

Moreover, data-driven insights have made omnichannel retailing more cohesive, ensuring customers have a seamless experience whether they’re shopping online, in-store, or through a combination of both.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the evolution of eCommerce has brought remarkable progress, it hasn’t been without challenges. Rising customer expectations, cybersecurity threats, and the complexities of global trade are just a few hurdles businesses face. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation.

By adopting cutting-edge technologies, fostering strategic partnerships, and focusing on customer-centric approaches, businesses can continue thriving in the ever-changing eCommerce landscape.

As you can see, the past decade has been transformative for eCommerce – reshaping how we shop, sell, and interact with brands

From the convenience of mobile shopping to the precision of AI-driven personalisation, the industry has continually adapted to meet the needs of modern consumers. As technology advances and consumer expectations evolve, one thing is certain – eCommerce will remain at the forefront of global retail innovation for years to come.